Weekend Adventures to Muscat Festival - Al Amerat Park

Last weekend I went to check out Muscat Festival with a friend. I wasn't sure what to expect as the children in my class seemed to mention the rides and entertainment. Muscat Festival is at two venues Al Amerat Park and Naseem Park. I went along to Amerat Park venue to find out what the festival was all about.

I arrived in the evening at around 7pm and it cost 200Bz to enter. Upon arrival I saw a traditional Omani Dhow and when we walked around there were lots of open areas where Omani men and women were displaying traditions of Oman such as fishing, weaving, farming, singing and dancing. There were stalls were you could buy handicrafts and clothes as well take rides on donkeys and camels.

I loved the fireworks show as I was listening to Omani children sing traditional songs.

There was also Omani food. Unfortunately I can't remember the names but I will find out! I had a sort of crepe with cheese and honey which was very tasty. I also had these fried balls of dough which were also sweetened with honey or syrup. These were very TASTY!

Overall it was a really nice event where we learned so much about Oman and it's culture and traditions. I would definetly recommend you to visit there before it ends this month.

Check out my photographs below.

Love & Blessings,

Sara xx

What am I haulin'?

Okay so first things first I am not much of a shopper! No seriously! Okay with the exception of jewellery but apart from that I'm not lol! Honest!

But I haven't done a haulage post in a while and these are a few bits and pieces I've picked up over the past few weeks or so when I've been out and about in Oman.

Oman isn't amazing for shopping. You definetly can't compare it to Kuwait or Dubai. I find that it's slowly developing it's consumer marker here in terms of fashion and beauty. I am in no ways putting Oman down just stating how I view the shopping scene here.

So there are 3 major malls I venture too and they are Muscat Grand Mall ( MGM), Oman Avenues Mall and City Centre in Seeb. The best one is definetly City Centre as it has a wider selection of shops and then in second place comes Avenues and third MGM. I wish MGM lived up to its name and had more shops like City Centre but also good quality shops too.

Anyways rant over on shopping! Lol!

I was actually looking for some other things in Carrefour and came across these 2 lip products from a French company L'action. One is a lip scrub pen and the other a lip enhancer. I've only recently used them so I'll wait a little longer before I decided to review them. Also whilst I was there I picked up 2 nail polishes from Essence, a matte coral and a shimmery white along with a repurchase of a gel top coat.

I've been doing my own nails as I am trying to grow them for a proper french manicure. They got wrecked my the acrylics I had on in December. I wish I never had them done now and don't think I will be getting them done again as they made my nails really weak.

It's not in the pic but I also purchased some plain fake nails from Elegant Touch and applied them yesterday so I don't keep on nibbling at my real nails. I know it sounds gross but this method usually works!

From New Look I picked up 2 canvas bags. One is for the gym which I loved and the other I just wanted a soft tote other than using my nicer Aldo and Dune bags all the time. I loved the print and wore it yesterday which went with my outfit very well!

Next up is Centre point which stock NYX. They stock a reasonably good selection of the products but I wish they stocked it better. I already have a butter gloss which I love and was tempted to try out the soft matte creams. I was undecided between Istanbul (soft but warmer pink) and Milan (a deeper blue toned pink) but went with Istanbul which is perfect for the Spring. I also picked up Sydney which is a paler blue toned pink almost like a barbie pink but it's pretty too.

On top of that as I've been experimenting with wearing eyeshadow more. I was looking for a dark base to apply beforehand so I bought a few of the Jumbo Eye Pencils in Black Bean, Dark Brown, Rocky Green Mountain and Peacock. I'm hoping they work well as I've read lots of good reviews but again I will experiment and feedback!

Last but not least is my mini jewellery haulage. I had a little mooch in Lovisa  which I believe is an Australian brand? It has a sale on which is always a bonus so I picked up a statement silver necklace which will look great with black, a diamante grecian style gold headband and a pair of ethnic navy blue and lime gold earrings. Oh! I also picked ip this simple but elegant bangle from CentrePoint - it was a bargain at RO 1! The earrings are not something I would go for but I loved the lime green colour and they will really give an outfit a pop of colour.

So that's my shopping done for a LONG time lol!

My next posts will include a face of the day and all about Muscat Festival.

Love & Blessings,
Sara xx

All Loved Up : New Year Favorites ♡

Today I'm going to tell you all about some beauty products I have been using since the New Year. Some are oldies and some are a new addition. I've found myself to be using products I don't usually reach for in my make up stash which is always great!

Here is a list of the products I am lovin' right now (from top left - clockwise):

Z palette: I have depotted these shadows from Sleek, Urban Decay, MAC and BN2B2BB and pressed some Barry M pigments. I've been using more of the Urban Decay Deluxe eyeshadows as they're super smooth and a dream to blend with.

Anastasia Beverley Hills Powder Contour Palette: I find myself dipping in and out of this palette as usually on a work day I don't have time to contour but lately I have been using it more especially Java and Havana. They make my contour look so defined!

Laura Mercier Baked Radiance Bronzer 03: I love this product as it gives me a warmer glow without sparkle and I've used it a few times without blush. However more recently this has been a part of my contour routine.

Kevyn Aucoin Creamy Glow Palette in 04: I purchased this after look for a cream contour kit. I didn't want a whole big palette like ABH and I just wanted to see if cream contour suited me better. I got this from Space NK  with my £5 incentive off so it was only £17.50. I LOVE it. I've reached for it everyday since I bought it. The sculpting cream is a perfect match for a contour. The highlight is a touch light but I use it as a base for highlighting so it works out but yes I LOVE it!

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser in Sand: This has been my holy grail beauty product since my lovely friend Sheen introduced me to the brand about 7 years ago! I can't believe it's been THAT long! Orginally I was matched up to the oil free version of sand which was nice as it really gave my skin a more tanned look. Last year I changed to the normal version and I prefer it so much more. It matched my skin tone and I just love the fact that it's a tinted moisturiser and not a foundation. Whilst it is on the thicker side of a TM it provides me with the coverage I want. I will keep repurchsing this for sure. I just wish they had a counter in Oman!

Lash Routine ( UN Subversion Lash primer, Benefit Roller lash and UD Cannonball mascara): I am guilty as charged as yes I use all 3 products for my lash routine. I recently rediscovered the UD lash primer in my makeup stash and forgot how much I loved it. It really makes my lashes look wow and people always ask me if they're real which is a great plus! I love voluminous, curled and wispy lashes and these products create that for me!

MAC blush in Peaches: I wish I had found out about this earlier but better now than never. I actually saw this on Sabina (instagram:makeupaddict)and she looked gorgeous! I was looking for a new blush and decided to buy this and used to use it like ALL of the time. Then in the colder months I opted for Sleek's Suede but now I'm back on this beauty! It gives me a gorgeous pop of colour.

Milani Blush in Luminoso: Another blush I love! I apply this over Peaches and it makes the colour pop with a lovely sheen too.

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft and Gentle: I too forever to purchase this as I wasn't sure if it would suit me and also if it was too much. But my friends Ayesha and Joanna kept telling me I was missing out and it was a great highlighter. I caved in and wore it a few times but felt like I was too sparkled up like a xmas tree. However the past few weeks I've been experimenting with different brushes to apply it and I've watched a load of YouTube videos too and I think I've mastered how to apply it more successfully! I love it...for now! I'm going to post a face of the day soon where I've used it too so you can see how I've used it!

I've literally been wearing these most day that I wear make up apart from the weekend and actually most of this week as I've been ill. But I find that experimenting more with products has made me become more confident in using in them more.

So don't be afraid and experiment with those products you wished you used :)

Until next time.

Love & Blessings,
Sara xx

Anastasia Beverley Hills Liquid Lipstick in 'Sweet Talker'

I thought I would type up a very recent blog post on the ABH Liquid Lipstick. She recently launched her range in Dubai a few months ago. I popped along to Sephora in Dubai Mall and had a play around with the highlighters and liquid lipsticks. I resisted purchasing a highlighter as I had already purchased 2 from other brands recently and thought it would be too excessive!

Anyways I ended up eyeing up 'Blush' and 'Sweet Talker' as originally I had wanted 'Pure Hollywood' but I wasn't too keen on the swatch. I actually only purchased one in the end and that was 'Sweet Talker' which is a hot pink almost barbie like. I only wore it a few days ago...at the weekend as I wanted to wear a scarf with a similar colour :P

I prepped my lips with Elizabeth 8 Hour Cream and then applied NYX Lip Plumper in Clear. I waited around 15-20 minutes until I had finished my makeup and then I applied it to my lips. I gave my lips 2 coats and it felt nice and smooth and a little moisturising. I was impressed with the pigmentation and colour payoff and only had to reapply once I had got home. So it wore for a good 5 hours whilst I was out shopping. Well done ABH!

It's a shame the makeup scene in Oman isn't so big. I really wish we had a Sephora here at least! Anyways one can only wish! I would like I'd like to pick up another shade of ABH's liquid lipstick but there are so many brands out at the moment like 'Dose of Colours', 'Colour Pop' and 'Gerard Cosmetics' that I'm tempted to try them. In fact I own 2 from Gerard Cosmetics and would definitely like to own more as their colour range is amazing!

I hope you enjoyed the post!

Love & Blessings,

Sara xx

The Review: Gerard Cosmetics Hydra Matte Liquid Lipstick

Ah so I am totally a gloss girl when it comes to lip products but I have been intrigued by wearing more of a matte lip since I purchased MAC's 'Kinda Sexy' lipstick.

I was so GLAD when I found out Gerard Cosmetics was stocked online in the UK so when I was home in December I jumped at the chance of ordering a few products. I ordered  2 GC Liquid Lipsticks and 2 sets of Morphe Lashes along with 2 hair products too from Beauty Bay. I opted for  Next Day Delivery and it came bang on time so well done Beauty Bay!

The Background: If I am being completely honest I hadn't heard of Gerard Cosmetics until I saw a few makeup posts on Instagram and I fell in love with the look of the highligher 'Marylin'. However I didn't really look into purchasing at the time as I had already been using a few highlighters. But then more recently I was in Sephora Dubai, the weekend ABH launched her products, especially her liquid lipsticks. Now I'd read a few mixed reviews on how great the colour payoff is with some and then how drying others can be so I only picked up one 'Sweet Talker' which I actually wore today and love - not drying at all! Anyways, I was on Instagram again and saw a few posts of the GC matte liquid lipstick and knew I had to try one out!

Gerard Cosmetics Hydra Matte Lipstick in 'Ballet Slipper'

The Review:  Okay so I am reviewing this after wearing both shades a few times now and I have to say I LOVE them. They come in a frosted packaging with a gold top with the shade labelled at the bottom. I picked 'Ballet Slipper' which is a cool toned pink and 'Serenity' which is a brown based pink for a more 'No makeup look'. I have worn 'Ballet Slipper' more and that's only because I have been wanting to wear more of a pink toned makeup look and so far so good. Also I seem to have only taken pics with me wearing 'Ballet Slipper' so I am afraid they'll have to do until I decide to wear 'Serenity' again :P

Close up of 'Ballet Slipper'

In terms of the application they are so smooth and silky. They glide on so beautifully. I usually apply 2 coats and I find that sufficient enough. They last so well too. I ate and drank water and the colour was still on my lips. The colour payoff is amazing and I really rate these products more so because they are so not drying at all. I really want to try out some more colours as well as more of GC's products too.

The Verdict: I am definitely without a doubt giving GC Hydra Matte Liquid Lipstick 10/10. They come in SO many shades which I want! They apply so nicely and evenly and what's better is that they last and really do hydrate the lips.  They're actually the only lip product I proudly own that actually hydrates and does not dry out your lips. So well done Gerard Cosmetics!

I hope you enjoyed reading.

Love & Blessings,
Sara xx

A Belated Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to you all!

 
                                             


I hope you all had a lovely Winter Break along with some fantastic celebrations into the New Year!

I was back in the UK for about 2 weeks which was lovely. I met up with some of my friends and spent lots of time with family. I'm now back here until July and then back home for a month in August.

Upon reflection, I had a good year, last year. I taught abroad in Kuwait and got to travel to a few countries too such as: Lebanon, Oman, Dubai, Greece, Cyprus and Qatar. I've been lucky to meet some fabulous friends too and have kept in touch with them since my move to Oman.

I have currently been in Oman for 5 months and I am really enjoying teaching here as well as living here too. Whilst it is on the quieter side, I have a smaller circle of friends and I have been able to do lots of things in my weekend that I wouldn't have been able to do if I was teaching back in London! i have also been able to explore the beauty of Oman more too.

I have lots of posts in store and I apologise for not being a regular blogger. I really feel like I have to be in the mood to blog. Whilst I have lots of blogposts saved, sometimes I can find it a little boring to do all the typing! But I am hoping to get back on track and at least blog once or twice a month.

I still have my travel diary, the review and favourites features which I shall continue to do. At the moment I have a lot of 'What look am I rockin'? posts coming up, Qatar travel diary, current beauty faves and Oman beauty spots!

So thank you for reading and do keep an eye out for my new posts.

Wishing you all a blessed year.

Love and Blessings, Sara  xx

The Review: Majlis Al Henna Salon, Al Khuwair

Last week I really wanted some pretty henna to adorn my hands and I cam across Majlis Al Henna Salon. I had called them previously for Eid Henna but they were fully booked so I thought why not try again.

I chose a really good time as only I was in the salon and  the service was prompt. I was given a cute tray with a mini tub of popcorn and a fizzy pink drink too. It's always the little touches that make a place special and unique.

The artists are from Kenya and are so very lovely. I had a lovely chat with her about henna and her  background and it was so nice. I decided to try out the 'blue henna' which was news to me as I had never heard of it before. The paste is different to regualr henna as it is more of a gel. I chose 2 patterns from their instagram page and sat back and relaxed. It took about 30 minutes but I stayed 15 extra minutes to dry off the gel - most of it was but I think next time I would prpbably stay a little longer and not pat it.

I had it on for a few hours and then I was at City Centre Muscat and went to he toilet and washed my hands and some of it has washed off so I decided to remove the rest. It left a faded stain which darkened quite quickly by the time I had gotten home. The next day it was blue-almost black and I loved it.

It has been a week and the design has faded which is fine as I wash my hands A LOT plus it's natural too. I think I actually prefer it over the normal henna because even though it has faded it looks much better than when brown henna fades.

Update: Since my first visit I have been back 2 times and I've loved each and every design I've chosen. The artists are lovely and I would recommend this salon to those interested in henna too.

Overall I rate it 10 out of 10 because I was impressed with the the clientele service and in salon treatment and outcome of the henna.